BE ANGRY AND DO NOT SIN

Fly Above Anger

Time with Jesus - Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Hi all,

Stay in Control

The way people react to similar situations can be very different. Some seem to be “unflappable”. A bomb may detonate down the street and they remain cool, calm and collected. We look at them, shake our heads and ask how they do it. Others go off “pop” with the driver in the other car who cut in on them too closely. Several years ago a man was arrested and tried for murder. A car overtook him. I suppose we would say it was done badly. The result was road rage. The offending driver tried to get away from the offended driver. At the bottom of a hill, the cars both stopped. The drivers “got out”. A “shouting match” ensued. Then the offended driver took out a hockey stick and beat the other driver to death. Road rage can make huge psychological changes in people. The outcome can be frightening.

Don't Blow Your Top

Many of us struggle with anger. Being angry about something may be justifiable. What is important is how we deal with it. The Message expresses the Christian approach to anger as follows: ²⁶ Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry--but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. ²⁷ Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Eph 4:26-27 MSG

I get very angry when I hear or see a man hitting a woman; likewise if an adult mistreats a child. Such anger is permissible. What you and I do with the anger is another matter. We should never vent our anger on other people or their property.

Just Relax & Take it Easy

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

As a child, I was told to count slowly from 1 to 10 before I reacted. That advice has stood me in good stead. Mind you I must say that when a dog savaged my young son, I grabbed an axe. The dog ran away. I was tempted to run after the dog. In the end, I quietened down and felt foolish. Thank the Lord I couldn’t catch that dog. The incident did heighten my awareness to my reactions in anger. I pray that I’m never in that situation again.

Today’s meditation is on anger and how Christians can deal with it.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Tuesday, 30 April 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
INTRODUCTION			DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	BE ANGRY AND DO NOT SIN
A couple of years ago Phyllida and I went to renew our driving licenses in Randburg. Queuing up for most things tends to be frustrating at the best of times. For some reason it always seems so much worse in government offices. What do you do when standing in a queue? Look round at others in a discreet way trying to convince them you are not looking at them, while they try to convince you they aren’t looking at you! We also tend to read and re-read all the notices and adverts on the walls. One such notice really amused me. It said, “Do not lose your temper. We do not have spares!” The first Scripture this morning reminded me vividly of that notice. I looked up Proverbs 14:9, the Scripture in the “God’s Word” translation. It resonated with me immediately. I understood it saying, “A patient person has great understanding and a short temper is the height of stupidity”. Part of me felt like saying “Amen”! Almost all of us have a short temper in certain areas. Some manage to keep it under control. Others do not have this luxury. On occasions, when we go off “pop”, it isn’t serious. Much depends on circumstances and other people. Some of us have very stressful lives. The police are constantly confronted by angry people. It goes with their job! So when we go off “pop” with policemen, in all probability they will reciprocate and you will end up in trouble. For Christians there has to be a solution. Short of closing eyes and ears, we must do something. But being who we are, we are tempted to want to “beat him to a pulp”. Apart from it being illegal to assault someone, the Saviour is unimpressed when our anger boils over. There is a solution for a born again, Spirit-filled Christian. The answer is to “walk in the Spirit”. If we are doing so, we will be experiencing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. These “fruit” are all legal! How do we do it? I have no formula for this. But the recipe is in the Scripture. We need to be in a close and constant relationship with Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. So much so that every moment of every day we are aware of the abiding peace that is made available to those who are seeking to follow Christ. “Impossible!” I hear people say. My answer is, “Yes, it is impossible.” But not with God. Matthew’s Gospel states; 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 ESV We make what is impossible for us, possible for Him in us, by prayer. Today’s meditation suggests how! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			29 A person of great understanding is patient, but a short temper is the height of stupidity. Proverbs 14:29 GW 6 The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Exodus 34:6 NLT 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV 1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:19-21 ESV 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:25-27 ESV	Please don’t lose your temper. We can’t supply a spare. The last few that we had in stock have vanished in thin air! We’re told the manufacturers can no longer supply; Which means the one God gave you, should last until you die. Perhaps around the corner, you’ll find another shop. They have a different model, which just might be a flop. So please be very careful and do not put it down. It’s almost irreplaceable from anywhere in town. Remember the original came with a guarantee, To last you for a lifetime. So use it cautiously. Perhaps it needs a service? Just add a little oil! If it is neglected you’ll find that it may boil! The danger is, it’s possible, for it to go off “pop”. A nasty thing to happen when dealing with a “cop”. Policemen are suspicious of everything we do; And want to find a reason to be arresting you. Their model is outdated and it is wearing thin; They want an opportunity to bash you on the chin! They asked us for an upgrade, but they’re not made to fit. So try a little patience. Eventually they’ll quit. Perhaps you’ve heard a rumour, the very best of all, Is readily available? It only takes one call To access the supplier. They have nine qualities, Each of which is legal; and all designed to please! There’s love and joy and patience; with peace and self-control, Assembled by the Maker and weaved into a whole. There’s kindness and there’s goodness, combined with gentleness. They come encased in faithfulness and sure to solve your mess. Oh Yes! I didn’t mention. They do not cost a cent! There are no service charges. The price is just repent! Call Him on His hotline. His Spirit will reply. You will need His baptism; which others can’t supply! Nothing will be missing. For you, it’s a “done deal”; And when it’s properly installed, He’ll mark you with His seal. When all is up and running, your temper you will see, Your anger monitored by Christ in His authority. Why not try and call Him on His hotline to heaven? Try “P R A Y J E S - U S 7, 7, 7, 7!” Jim Strickland Written 30th April 2012

THE CHRISTIAN’S HOPE

Time with Jesus - Monday, 29 April 2013

Hi all,

1 Corinthians 13 is affectionately referred to as the great “Love Chapter”. There are no other chapters in the Bible that give such an enormous “definition” of love. Indeed, Paul makes it clear, ¹³ Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love. 1Co 13:13 NLT

It comes as no great surprise that Paul’s discourse on love falls more or less in the middle on his exposition of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There were no chapters or verses in Paul’s letters or in any other parts of the Bible. These were subsequently added by men for our convenience. Sadly, these divisions were not done particularly skilfully. Certainly it has made our quest for knowledge from God’s Word a little easier for us. 

At the same time it has made us much lazier and less willing to commit Scripture to memory. It’s far easier to say “1 Corinthians Chapter 13 verse 13 than to try and find words somewhere in his first epistle. Computers have helped us, so we could scrap chapters and verses. But it’s unlikely we will change things now. Moreover we are able to say in our ignorance, “That’s not in this chapter”!

It’s interesting to note the sequence of the three words referred to; faith, hope and love. I’ve pondered this occasionally. For instance, why not love, faith and hope? Perhaps the reason is because Faith is now; hope is future and love has no beginning and no end. My distinct impression is Paul wanted to see people living by faith in God. Hoping to see what God has promised and love being the “oil” that “makes it all work”! In his letter to Titus Paul writes; ¹² … we should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, ¹³ while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Titus 2:12-13 NLT. We live in the here and now by faith in the Lord, looking forward with hope to the glory of Jesus’ return. (Love)

Our meditation today looks at our hope for tomorrow. No government or political system can bring it in. Only Jesus Christ is able to complete our hopeful aspirations. That’s exactly what He will do. Faith and hope may disappoint. Love never fails!

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Monday, 29 April 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
INTRODUCTION			DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	The Christian’s hope
In 1974, I returned to South Africa after an interval of approximately 14 years. Life in England and in Canada was great. But for me, South Africa was home and here is where we wanted to be. There comes a time in our lives, when we hanker for home and the things we remember. During the 14 year absence, South Africa had changed. On the surface, everything seemed normal. My immediate reaction, when looking at the black people of our country, was the way their means of transport had changed. In the 1950’s, it was usually the bicycle. There were a few cars, but not all that many. Now, cars and minibus taxis were the means of transport. It seemed to be inevitable, that “one man one vote” was around the corner. It only took 20 years! In January 1976 we moved to join Eskom head office in Jo’burg. In July there was the student uprising in Soweto. This uprising was inevitable, sooner or later. South Africa was the last “bastion of white rule”. It could not continue much longer. All the countries around us were getting rid of “white minority rule”. No doubt, this was one of the reasons why the students began their revolt. It was exacerbated, by the insistence of the education authorities, that Afrikaans would be the language in which these students were to be taught. It was a dumb decision. Things were about to take a major shift in direction. Back then, it was illegal to speak about Nelson Mandela. He was supposed to be safely incarcerated on Robin Island. Many of us took no notice of this regulation. I remember talking with a group of “Eskomites”. They were talking in general terms about him being a future President of South Africa. Some thought it could never happen. Others held him out as one of the very few “hopes” we still had in South Africa! It seemed ludicrous that a prisoner on Robin Island could become our President. Two factors helped me realise that I was likely to see a black South African president within 20 years. One was the inescapable fact that it had taken place throughout Africa. The other was knowing that the “hope” for South Africa could only come to fruition through the black majority. In an odd way, Biblical history indicated that God would not stand by indefinitely. The day would come when democracy would arise among us. In much the same way as Jesus Christ was the hope of all nations; Nelson Mandela was the “hope” of the black majority. Proverbs tells us, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Pro 13:12 NLT. Mandela became the hope of the nation and the people’s dreams were finally fulfilled! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			13 Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:13-14 ESV 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20 NLT 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and He will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. 21 For He must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through His holy prophets. Acts 3:19-21 NLT 10 This will happen on that day when he comes to be honoured among all his holy people and admired by all who have believed in him. This includes you because you believed the testimony we gave you. 2 Thessalonians 1:10 GW 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us. Romans 8:22-23 NLT 2 Dear friends, we are already God's children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is. 1 John 3:2 NLT 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:4 ESV 20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 ESV	Life can be appalling each time we look around. What is it we are seeing? Where can our hope be found? Who’ll come to our assistance in face of such a mess? Why do the wicked prosper? What use is righteousness? Look at the politicians. A gang of corrupt thugs, Stealing tax payer’s money! Young people using drugs! Carnage and death embracing people as they drive. And if you try to stop it, you will be “skinned alive”! Look at our taxi-drivers. They think they own the road. And if you show dissention, don’t think they will be slowed. There has to be an answer. A way to put things right. But if we try and do it, were in for a tough fight. The courts don’t dispense justice. The perpetrators win, Because they have the money to fix the jam they’re in. Our little girls in danger of being stopped and raped. It seems the wicked rapists, have got the system taped. If is the “cops” who do it, they simply close their ranks And so the rapists prosper; and give their colleagues thanks! There must be a solution. Lord there must be a way, To change the situation from what it is today. My child there is an answer. There is a way to cope. Though things may scare you spit-less, there is the way of hope! Hope always looks at problems and knows that they will end. I am not standing idle. Be sure that I will send An army strong and mighty. They’ll bring the remedy. The wicked will all suffer. They are attacking Me. There can be no escaping from what that army brings. They will receive a judgement for this and many things. Don’t think I have no interest in what is all around. Their sins are documented and it will astound The men of every nation. They thought I would not do The things that I have promised! My Word is ever true. So do not think it’s useless for you to carry on. The HOPE that I AM bringing, to make you firm and strong. It won’t be slow in coming, so do not be surprised. The tide will break upon you as though it’s been disguised. Look at the great tsunami that swept the folk away. That is what you will witness when I act on that day. Jim Strickland – Written 29th April 2013